Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-04-29
THE FRIENDS OF IRELAND.

To the Editor of the Free Fress

|
To the Editor of the Free Fress
Countless numbers have gained dis
tinction by playing- the role of "make
believe" phianthropists, and the present
era affords an excellent opportunity for
this class of aspirants to ply their trade in
the effort to rid Ireland of British rule
and gain popularity which will lit them
into office. Nearly every one knows that
an Irishman's sympathy can be aroused
by championing the cause of his down
trodden" country and this course is pur-
sued by the willy adventurer, as the best
to secure the Irish vote. However de-
plorable this may appear, it is neverthe
less fact beyond contradiction, and it is
about time that my countrymen should
see for themselves, and not be clouded by
this false canopy. They should express
their condemnation of such barterng of
their franchise. The true friends of Ire
land are easily known. 1t needs no glib
tongue to proclaim their friendship. We
as Irishmen recognize as the best friends
Of our country, those who advocate obedi-
enCe to the civil laws, tolerance to
religious liberty, and of just and logical re-
| forms to the land laws. such as the
the abolition of the tenure law. The laws
in general that govern Ireland are the
same in effect as those that govern the
most civilized countries in the world, and
it is grave mistake for anyone to assume
that intelligent Irishmen think different
ly. 1t is only the rebellious element that
defy the mandates of the law, and i'm
agine that one law rules the Scotchmen,
another the Englishmen and that the worst
of all is left for lrishmen. We are proud to
recognize the supremacy of the law AS the
bulwork of true and perfect civilization,
and is no terror or oppression only to the
lawless transgressor. 1t is a shame to
cry against the British government
of Ireland. BY our silence we
practically step into the ranks of
anarchy, dynamite, conspiracy, fac
ton law, intimidation, and all that
has of late years disglaced, dis
honored and darkened the character of
our historic race, and evidently made
Englishmen believe 1t incapable of self
government. Though thdAe unfortunate
specks darken the once bright horizon of
our country, and humiliate our patriotic
pride, they do not diminish the result Of
fered by the chameleon who feigns TO
raise his voice in our behalf at the price
of our franchise. That great wrongs are
being done many of the gallant and
brave sons of our beloved Erin,
that the country is ruled by cruel
and intolerant landlords, whose heartess
fury ago, when the European market de
pended upon the Irish tenant farmer to
!, supply it with meat and provision none
: can deny. That the flag of the orange
and blue still insults and wounds the feel
. ings OF the Roman Catholic, commemorat-
, ing religious battle of two centuries ago
we as peace and liberty-loving people, pain
, fully lament. The true friend of Ireland
will join hands with Protestant, Roman
Catholic, Jew and Gentle, to live ii
peace, happiness and industry under
any Commonwealth that may govern us
We may well feel chagrined when the
random adventurer shouts, emancipation
from the rule of Downing street and ole
, Westminster, and down with the British
flag and everything English" This pre-
b. tender is a contemplate leech after the
3, vote of lrishmen. That landlords eXercis,
f an oppressive authority in distraining fol
q rents is too true, but who dare deny theil
, rights to do 50? The law that protects
1 landlord IN the ownership of an estate
l surely should give him the RICH
S to collect its income anything t,
the contrary would be socialistic
- The friend of Ireland will advocate tn,
purchase of the lands by the government
r but not dynamite to blow up the British
e though some like that Ohio senator thinl
e they can blow it up with their words
l England honestly admires and respect
= the United States, but cannot see mucl
e her Everyone who champions the caus
< of Ireland should learn the lines il
5 Burns's "Cotter's Saturday Night: :"
In all the pomp of Method and art
Y That meD display to congregations wide.
t Deyotion's in every place except the heart.
| HONOR BRIGHT.
t Burlington, April 90, 1887.